Wilson previously visited noted surgeon Dr. James Andrew (aka "Dr. Death" to fantasy sports teams), but the good doc told him he wouldn't require surgery and that he was simply dealing with an inflammation.

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However, manager Bruce Bochy said that it was in the team -- and Wilson's -- best interests to put the closer on the disabled list.

"This is the best thing to do for his career," Bochy said, per Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury-News.

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The move is retroactive to August 16, which means that Wilson will be eligible to return on August 31. Bochy said he was hopeful that the closer could get back on the mound in time, but with an injury like elbow inflammation, it's never a guaranteed.

Wilson attempted to throw catch on Saturday, but still felt discomfort, and that led to the team putting him on the DL.

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Pitcher Steve Edlefsen was recalled from Fresno to take Wilson's place.

As for who will close, well, it'll be the always popular closer-by-committee option. Bochy indicated, however, that Jeremy Affeldt will be the guy he leans on most heavily going forward.

Amazingly, the Giants have been able to tread some water in the NL West, despite losing three-straight games while staring at two consecutive sweeps over their last pair of series.

That's in part thanks to the Braves, who continue to open up a big lead on in the Wild-Card race, by spanking the Diamondbacks.

Treading water with half the roster may not be enough, though, and it's only going to become harder to make progress with the team's top two relievers missing over the next two weeks (at least).